BANG!
Lily’s eyes flew open. Sitting up straight, she stared at the trap door, terrified at who, or what, might be on the other side.
The trap door was designed to lift on a hinge, but after years of neglect; the hinges were rusty. The door was quite difficult to open and close. When she’d arrived earlier that day, she had to use her shoulder to give it a good shove.
BANG!
Oh god how I wish there was some way to latch it closed! She thought, panicked. Calm down, Lily, it’s probably just Daddy. He saw the light from the candle and he’s investigating. Yah, that’s it, relax. She tried to calm herself. Then she realized what kind of trouble she’d be in for lying and hiding away in the tree house.
Nervously, she watched as the door finally gave way, lifting open slowly.
She quickly blew out the candle; darkness embraced every corner in the tree house. Using her blanket to shield herself, only her wide green eyes showing, she watched as a dark shadow lifted itself up through the trap door.
“Lily?” A soft, deep voice whispered.
Lily’s heart melted like a snow flake landing on hot skin.
“Gabe?” She whispered back, breathless.
She fumbled for her matches and lit the candle. As the light painted the walls brighter, she saw his face. Light blue eyes stared at her intensely. His saturated hair hung in curly waves, a few tendrils dripped onto his face making his dark skin glisten. His robe, soaking wet, clung to his body.
“Lily…I’m so sorry.” Gabe’s eyes filled with tears.
Composing herself, Lily stared at him, her face still bearing the hurt she’d endured at the church. Her stomach did flip flops as she looked at his sad, handsome face.
Gabe inched closer to her, crawling on hands and knees as the ceiling of the tree house was too low for him now. At fifteen, when he was only 5’5, he could hunch over to accommodate himself. Now, at 6’1, he could only fit if he was on his knees.
He made his way across the floor to her. Now only inches away from her, he reached out and took her tiny hands in his.
“I’m so sorry.” He looked deep into her eyes.
Tears of relief swam in Lily’s eyes; they sparkled from the light of the candle as they glided down her cheeks.
Gabe gently wiped them, his fingers brushing lightly against her skin. He shivered slightly as his black robes cooled in the night air.
“Do you forgive me, my Lily?” Gabe asked, his eyes searching her face.
Elated, she tried to smother the smile that wanted to explode across her face.
“Well,” she said haughtily, pretending to still be angry, “I’ll think about it…”
A momentary look of angst crossed his face. Lily broke out into a giggle. He breathed a loud sigh of relief, reached over to grab her and pretended to strangle her.
Both laughing, they suddenly found themselves face to face. The flicker of the candle danced across their expressions, both uncertain.
Lily felt the instance in the church was enough for her to know his true feelings. He was dedicated to the church, she understood that now. Pulling away from him, she knew she could never have Gabe the way she wanted. Respecting him was the best gift she could give him right now.
As she attempted to move away, however, Gabe suddenly pulled her face to his. He kissed her passionately on the mouth. Startled, she tried to push away, but the devotion in his kiss caused her reluctance to subside quickly.
Eagerly, they relinquished their fears and obligations. Letting their passions guide them, they allowed themselves to explore the unknown.
Gabe kissed Lily’s neck hungrily, trailing the tip of his tongue from her collarbone to her ear. His hands ran through her long caramel hair as his mouth found hers again and again.
Lily’s skin tingled everywhere he touched her, his warm hands loving every part of her. The straps of her white sundress slipped rebelliously off her shoulders as she pressed herself against him.
As she kissed his neck, she suddenly found herself face to face with his white collar. The moment halted as she stared hesitantly as it.
Gabe paused to see what had caused her to stop. Putting his hand to his neck, he touched the collar.
She lowered her eyes, preparing herself for the onslaught of emotional pain. Gabe’s fingers slowly trailed just below his collar. Lily, curious, looked up to see him unzipping his robe. Within a moment, the white collar lie upon the wooden floor of the tree house, buried amongst the black fabric of the robe.
Shortly thereafter, the rest of their clothes were added to the pile.
Smiling at Lily, he pulled her body to his. Facing one another, the candle’s flame danced, creating a mirage of shadows upon the walls of the tiny tree house. Cupping her tiny face in his hands and lifting her chin, he leaned in to lightly kiss her lips.
Lovingly, he brushed the back of his fingers across her cheek and down her neck. Gliding his hands along her shoulders, he let the tips of his fingers run softly down her spine, tracing the curve of her back.
She lightly ran her nails down the back of his shoulders making him moan. Kissing his chest, she made her way back up to his neck. Running her fingers through his wet, wavy hair, she held his face with both hands and pulled it to hers. Kissing his face, his lips, their tongues met gently.
Laying her gently onto the blanket, their gazes upon one another, he broke vows he’d made to the church to make a promise to Lily.
Loving one another long into the night, the wind gently swayed the tree house like a cradle rocking to a lullaby.
Reborn
Swirling into blackness, David felt the familiar sensations of the dream sweep over him, only he didn’t remember going to bed. Puzzled, he calmly surveyed his surroundings.
He could feel pressure attempting to squeeze him, but felt no panic. If anything, he felt strangely peaceful, floating in this black void.
Far in the distance, he could hear muffled voices, telling him not to give up, not to die. It was so peaceful here. If it was a dream, he didn’t want to wake up.
A warm breeze kissed his face as he smiled up the white sun.
Wait, David thought, that’s not the sun, it’s moving towards me.
As bright as this light was, it didn’t hurt to look at it. It was fascinating as it gravitated towards him.
Though the light intoxicated him, he still felt a pull, a yearning in his soul.
Tearing his eyes away from the enchanting light and looking around, he found he was still on the golf course. David could see people huddled together in the distance. Walking to the group, he recognized many of them. They were the doctors and nurses who had been with him at the golf course. On the ground, was a man, lying on his back. His shirt was torn open from attempts to resuscitate. The body looked quite pathetic in its lifeless state.
David leaned in to have a closer look at the man’s face. Smiling, he realized this was his own body. It surprised him that he was pleased with this revelation, rather than horrified, but it was strangely acceptable to him.
Funny, David thought, amused, I thought I was better looking.
Looking at his hands, he saw a bluish aura surrounding the translucent skin. The energy around his ghostly body had more depth than any color he’d seen on his old body.
In the distance, he could see someone approaching.
“Ellen.” David said under his breath.
Her face looked pale and stony as she stood over her dead husband. Alex stood by her, one arm around Ellen’s shoulder. Both women hovered over his still body.
David waited for a sign of Ellen’s true feelings about his death. Any show of emotion, but it never came. She simply retained a stiff posture, hands clenched at her sides.
He wondered what she was thinking. Was she worried she wouldn’t have her breadwinner to maintain her lifestyle? Was she worried about Tiffany growing up without a father? Was she going to miss him?
As he watched Ellen and Alex walk away, he whispered, “Take ca
re.”
~
‘The light…David…the light’
The voice, which once stalked his dreams, now beckoned him.
A light shimmered in the distance. He had no words to describe its beauty.
The sphere of light gravitated toward him, and then opened to form an illuminated tunnel.
Within, he could see a human shape emerging. It approached him with such grace; he wondered how anything could move so effortlessly.
As the being got closer, David saw a woman dressed all in white.
Though she appeared at least seven feet tall, her features were delicate. Her face had the complexion of white milk. Her eyes, the deepest blue, stared at him with patience.
“Hello David.” Her voice was soft as silk.
It took David a moment to realize she hadn't spoken out loud, but by telepathy.
“Hello.” He responded, using his thoughts, hoping she could hear him as well.
“My name is Zophial.”
“Are you an…angel?” He asked, bewildered.
“That is the human term used to describe our kind.” She answered with a smile. “We consider ourselves more as guides.”
“I see…” David responded, unsure as to what she meant.
“Are you ready to come home, David?”
“Home? You mean Heaven?”
“That is one name for it.”
“Am I still welcome there?” He was pretty sure being Atheist was high up there on the sins list.
“All souls have a permanent invitation with the higher dimensions.” Zophial responded kindly.
“Well then,” he said, feeling relatively relieved, “sounds like an invitation I can't refuse.”
Zophial smiled brightly with David’s acceptance.
“I’m excited for you to see your true home.” She commented as she ushered David toward the light tunnel. “After your life review that is.” She said with a wink.
“Life review?” David repeated, slightly wary.
Choices
The sun streamed through the garden window of the tree house, beams of gold filled the room as the two lovers slept in each other’s arms. As though dreaming the same beautiful dream, their faces radiated a peaceful glow.
Gabe woke first and smiled at the morning sun. Arching as he stretched, he winced when his stiff back resisted. The tree house floor was certainly not meant for sleeping on, let alone everything else they did.
Smiling to himself, he recalled their amazing evening together. He’d always loved Lily, but it surprised him how their new-found intimacy could make his heart expand even further. Sharing something so beautiful was so very precious.
Careful not to wake her, Gabe shifted and propped his head on his hand. Staring at Lily’s face as she slept, he memorized every contour and freckle. The crescent shaped scar above her left eyebrow had faded to a soft pink. He chuckled quietly at her wild morning hair. The springy curls had given way to the humidity of the previous evening’s rain, her butterscotch hair bushed out like a lion’s mane.
He realized that nothing would give him greater pleasure in life than waking up to her every single morning. Never was he more thankful to God than at this moment. For giving him this test, this opportunity, to see where his heart truly belonged.
As though she sensed his gaze, she frowned in her sleep. Turning onto her side, a tiny snore escaped her causing Gabe to suppress a laugh.
His stomach complained loudly, demanding immediate attention. Gabe sat up and looked around the little room for anything to eat. Finding the bag Lily had packed, he discovered a juicy red apple begging him to take a bite.
After appeasing his stomach, he decided to comply with his aching bladder. Kissing Lily lightly on the forehead, he crawled to his clothes. Seated on the floor, he struggled to pull up his pants.
Beside him, he noticed his black robes crumpled on the floor. He waited for a sense of shame to wash over him. Instead, a feeling of relief flooded through him.
Smiling, he quietly opened the trap door.
Once Gabe was out of sight, a dark snake-like mist drifted through the tree house window. The creature had followed Gabe from the exorcism, and was hungry for a new host.
It wafted slowly over Lily’s sleeping figure, dancing precariously above her aura, searching for a way in. The shadow yearned for the negative energy only a human could manifest.
Floating above her face, it caressed her thoughts with evil intent, probing her deepest fears. Finally, finding a weak spot in her aura, the shadow twisted and writhed, invading her essence. Weaving itself deep into her consciousness, into her mind and her dreams, it embedded its evil within her.
‘Dream...little blonde princess...dream of fear and death...’ the dark shadow hissed at Lily’s subconscious.
~
Amidst her slumber, Lily suddenly found herself standing in the center of a dark room, her white gossamer gown flowing as a cool breeze blew around her.
Before her, she saw a tall bench, carving a semi-circle into the floor. Whatever it was made of, she didn’t know, but it was like a giant mirror, as she could see her reflection in it. Squinting at the top of the bench, she could see six shadowy figures seated behind it, glaring down at her.
On floor were hundreds of black shadows writhing like snakes. They weaved ominously, their slitted eyes glared as they whispered disgusting things at her.
‘Evil seductress...luring the priest...you will be judged!’ The snakes taunted in unison.
Staring at her reflection in the mirrored bench, she saw two images forming on either side of her. Both shapes were blurry at first, but one was obviously bigger than the other. As the images cleared, she recognized the taller one.
“Gabe!” She said joyously, her voice echoing. Unmoving, he stared straight ahead, his face void of expression. He was in a trance of some kind.
The smaller figure did not come completely into focus.
Suddenly, the six Judges spoke in unison, their voices deep. “One must die…choose.”
‘Choose...choose...make right what you made wrong.’ The black snakes hissed at her.
Confused, she looked back and forth between Gabe and the smaller, blurry figure.
“Choose!!” The Judges voices boomed.
Panicked, she raised her arm, her hand shaking. She slowly extended her finger and pointed to the smaller image.
Lily cringed as the shadow snakes laughed and mocked her.
Six gavels slammed down onto the bench. Laughter reverberated around her.
“No!” she screamed, “Noooo!”
‘Wicked...there is no heaven for the wicked...’ the snakes hissed as the dream swirled into a blurred oblivion.
Lily woke, sat straight up, her heart pounding. Rocking back and forth, she held her knees tightly, trying to erase the images she’d seen in her mind.
Wiping sweat from her brow, she looked around the tree house and realized Gabe wasn’t there. Taking deep breaths, she crawled to her clothes and dressed herself.
Still shaky from the dream, she lowered herself through the trap door and climbed down the stairs.
“Gabe?” She said aloud, scanning the forest.
Tentatively, she walked to the pond, hugging her sides as she recalled the terrible nightmare.
What on Earth was that all about? She wondered.
As she reached the pond, the terror she’d felt from the dream began to subside. Inhaling deeply, she allowed the clean scent to fill her lungs. A crisp morning breeze blew across her legs, giving her goose bumps.
Gazing at the pond, she paused to admire some tiny white blossoms floating on the water. A nearby tree had bloomed, sending its flowery babies out into the world.
“Good morning beautiful.” A deep voice said behind her as she felt big, warm arms wrap around her waist.
“There you are. I thought maybe I scared you away.” Lily teased, forming a fake pout with her lips.
“Never, you’re stuck with me now.” Gabe said a
s he turned her around, lifted her off the ground and kissed her passionately.
Sighing, he put her down and looked her in the eyes.
“I love you.”
Momentarily taken back, she then smiled and said, “I love you too.” Hugging him tight she added, “So very much.”
They spent the rest of the day talking, laughing and making love. After the sun began dipping into the horizon, they decided to sneak to Gabe’s bike and drive to the beach.
Gabe and Lily walked up and down the beach for hours. The moonlight shone a silver path in the sand, guiding the lovers through the dark. Finding their way to a nearby hotel, the couple got a room for the remainder of the night.
“Care to have a shower?” Gabe beckoned her seductively as he undressed.
Tempted, she gave him a pained look, “Oh, I want to, but I just need to lie down.” She said as she cuddled up under the blankets.
Gabe showered quickly and then crawled into bed with her.
“Lily?” Gabe asked as he spooned himself around her.
“Yes.” She replied as she fought to stay awake.
“Let’s go to Greece.” He whispered into her ear, pushing her long hair aside and kissing the nape of her neck.
Smiling, she assumed he was joking with her, “Sure…when?” she asked wryly.
“How about next week?”
“Serious?” She asked, turning her head with renewed interest.
“Yes.”
Sitting up, now intrigued, she turned to face him.
“I inherited some money when my father died. I’d like to show you where I grew up.” He added.
A huge smile spread across her face as she realized he wasn’t joking.
“Oh Gabe!! That would be amazing!” She hugged him tightly around the neck like a small child who just got a pony for Christmas.
Choking from her hardy grip, he laughed and began tickling her to get her to release him. After wrestling playfully for a few minutes, they flopped down on the bed, breathless and giggling.
Dimensions of Genesis Page 9
